Rapid catalytic water oxidation by a single site, Ru carbene catalyst

Compared to earlier single site catalysts, greatly enhanced rates of electrocatalytic water oxidation by the Ru carbene catalyst [Ru(tpy)(Mebim-py)(OH2)](2+) (tpy = 2,2': 6',2 ''-terpyridine; Mebim-py = 3-methyl-1-pyridylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene) have been observed. The mechanism appears to be the same with proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) activation toRu(V)=O3+ followed by O-O coupling and further oxidation. An important factor in the enhanced reactivity of the carbene complex may come from increased driving force for the O-O bond forming step.